Joshua 6:25

Authorized King James Version

And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father's household, and all that she had; and she dwelleth in Israel even unto this day; because she hid the messengers, which Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְֽאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

רָחָ֣ב

H7343

Rahab

rachab, a canaanitess

הַ֠זּוֹנָה

H2181

the harlot

to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בֵּ֨ית

H1004

household

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אָבִ֤יהָ

and her father's

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#10

לָהּ֙

#11

הֶֽחֱיָ֣ה

H2421

alive

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

#12

יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ

H3091

And Joshua

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

#13

וַתֵּ֙שֶׁב֙

H3427

and all that she had and she dwelleth

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#14

בְּקֶ֣רֶב

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

#15

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#16

עַ֖ד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#17

הַיּ֣וֹם

H3117

even unto this day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#18

הַזֶּ֑ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#19

כִּ֤י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#20

הֶחְבִּ֙יאָה֙

H2244

because she hid

to secrete

#21

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#22

הַמַּלְאָכִ֔ים

H4397

the messengers

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

#23

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#24

שָׁלַ֥ח

H7971

sent

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

#25

יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ

H3091

And Joshua

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

#26

לְרַגֵּ֥ל

H7270

to spy out

to walk along; but only in specifically, applications, to reconnoiter, to be a tale-bearer (i.e., slander); to lead about

#27

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#28

יְרִיחֽוֹ׃

H3405

Jericho

jericho or jerecho, a place in palestine

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within Joshua chapter 6 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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